Overview

Best Practices for Inclusive Remote Work in the Academy

The guidance in this addendum applies to the general adoption of inclusive remote work; however, the specific focus is in executing an academy-wide shift to remote work in response to an unforeseen disruption, such as a global pandemic, other natural or man-made disaster, or cyberattack. This will require:

DEVELOPING CONTINGENCY PLANS

  • Quickly adapting departmental policies and processes (i.e., promotions, admissions)
  • Clear communication to faculty regarding service commitments and duties
  • Communicating with transparency and receptiveness to feedback during the period of disruption

FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

  • Developing alternative forms of virtual community-building and mentorship, with an enhanced emphasis on respect, patience, tolerance, understanding, and humility
  • Increasing awareness of and support for the complexities of managing work and personal circumstances; offering accommodations for barriers to teaching, learning, attention, and/or productivity
  • Maintaining standards regarding potentially discriminatory or problematic language and behaviors in a virtual setting
  • Communicating difficult information with warmth and acknowledging faculty, staff, and students for being adaptable and engaged throughout the transition
  • Reiterating the importance of your unit’s work to the mission of the University

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE AND REMOTE WORK IN RESPONSE TO A CRISIS

• Identify and communicate essential unit functions and priorities, and adjust these as circumstances evolve

• Devise and communicate clear expectations and structures for remote work, adapting standard best practices to crisis-related space and technology constraints
• Provide tools and processes for unit members to perform essential job functions
• Communicate that existing University policies and expectations for conduct remain in effect

• Communicate that faculty mentoring is even more important during a shift to remote work
• Maintain respect for individual differences and a commitment to collegiality

• Communicate with extra patience, collegiality, kindness, and humility
• Establish department rituals that mirror in-person community-building behaviors (e.g., say “hi” in the morning and “good night” at the end of the day)

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